Artist palette and carrying case

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a combination artist&#39;&#39;s palette and carrying case therefor. The palette includes a generally planar body portion and a peripheral edge portion with at least one side of the body portion being adapted to receive materials thereon for use by the associated artist. A case for the palette is provided, the case having a bottom wall and a side wall and is dimensioned such that the palette fits within the peripheral side wall of the case whereby the case is adapted to receive the palette for use, storage and transportation. Resilient sealing gasket means movable relative to the case also is provided. The gasket means is positionable between the case and the palette and biasing means are provided on the case to cause the palette to compress the gasket and provide a substantially airtight chamber between the palette and the case. In a second embodiment the gasket is rigidly affixed to the edge portion of the palette. in a third embodiment there is provided a disposable liner having a configuration complementary to the configuration of the palette with the peripheral edge of the liner operating as the gasket means. Also, there is provided an artist&#39;&#39;s tool conditioning structure that may be stored within the case and can be detachably secured to the side of the case for use by the artist.

United States Patent Linger 51 Mar. 21, 1972 [72] Inventor: Harrison K.Linger, 7412 Springvale Drive, Louisville, Ky. 40222 22 Filed: 0661 1969211 Appl;No.: 866,471

Primary Examiner-Paul R. Gilliam Att0rneyPrangley, Clayton, Mullin,Dithmar & Vogel [5 7] ABSTRACT There is disclosed a combination artistspalette and carrying case therefor. The palette includes a generallyplanar body portion and a peripheral edge portion with at least one sideof the body portion being adapted to receive materials thereon for useby the associated artist. A case for the palette is provided, the casehaving a bottom wall and a side wall and is dimensioned such that thepalette fits within the peripheral side wall of the case whereby thecase is adapted to receive the palette for use, storage andtransportation. Resilient sealing gasket means movable relative to thecase also is provided. The gasket means is positionable between the caseand the palette and biasing means are provided on the case to cause thepalette to compress the gasket and provide a substantially airtightchamber between the palette and the case. In a second embodiment thegasket is rigidly affixed to the edge portion of the palette. in a thirdembodiment there is provided a disposable liner having a configurationcomplementary to the configuration of the palette with the peripheraledge of the liner operating as the gasket means. Also, there is providedan artists tool conditioning structure that may be stored within thecase and can be detachably secured to the side of the case for use bythe artist.

7 Claims, 29 Drawing Figures Patented March 21, 1972 4 Shasta-Shut 1lnvenror BY HARRISON K. LINGER Q5 X/ J J 9 A YS.

Patented March 21, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented March 21, 1972 4Sheets-Sheet 3 Patented March 21, 1972 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ARTIST PALETTEAND CARRYING CASE This invention relates generally to an artists paletteand carrying case therefor and is an improvement over the artistspalette and case disclosed in applicants prior U. S. Pat. No.3,352,6l6,issuedNov. 14,1967.

it is a primary object of the invention to provide a unique combinationartists palette, carrying case, cover and artists tool conditioningstructure that are cooperable in a manner whereby the case providesstorage for all such parts and for all the artists tools, and alsoprovides for the convenient and organized placement of the artists toolsand the palette for ready accessibility for use by the artist.

Heretofore artists have customarily utilized in their work, paint casesor boxes provide with a handle in which they may carry from place toplace their palettes, tubes of paint, brushes, and various otherimplements peculiar to their profession, such as palette knives, etc. Inclassroom situations, and when painting outdoors or on location, thepainter is often faced with an inevitable loss of materials, since thepresent palette cases do not provide adequate means for protecting andpreserving the paint or other materials that have been placed on thepalette for use, and which materials have not been entirely used duringthe particular work period. This problem also exists when painting inthe artists home or studio.

Generally, in these situation, it is necessary to remove the materialsfrom the surface of the palette before returning the palette to the boxfor storage. These partially used paints, which are normally spread overa large portion of the surface of the palette, represent a loss to theartist, and, because they are relatively expensive materials, anddifficult to remove when dry, it is both economical and tim saving toprotect them from drying out or otherwise deteriorating due to exposure.

Accordingly, it is another object of the invention to provide animproved artist's palette and case therefor in which the palette isadapted to be carried by the case in a manner that provides asubstantially airtight chamber, whereby the paint remaining on thesurface of the palette need not be removed prior to storing the palettein the case, and wherein the paint so remaining on the surface will beeffectively prevented from drying out.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved combinationreversible palette and palette case that will effectively provide ahermetic compartment for one surface of the palette, and wherein theopposite surface of the palette is readily accessible for use by theartist, thereby doubling the effective surface area and utility of thepalette.

In applicants prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,352,616 there is disclosed acombination artists palette, gasket, case and cover therefor. In suchprior patent the gasket means is rigidly disposed within the case and isnot removable therefrom. This presents one disadvantageous feature inthat it is necessary to invert the palette to place the paint retainingside in the airtight chamber. The present invention is an improvementthereover in that the gasket means is removable from the case and it ispossible to obtain a substantially airtight chamber between the coverand the palette or between the palette and the case and in certaininstances two chambers may be provided whereby paint on either side ofthe palette may be stored in a substantially airtight chamber.

It is a further object of the invention to provide, in combination withthe palette, cover and case referred to above, unique resilient sealinggasket means cooperable with the case, palette and cover in which thegasket means may be disposed between the cover and the palette orbetween the palette and the case thereby to provide substantiallyairtight chambers so that the artist's material remaining on the paletteis retarded from drying out. This capability of establishing an airtightcompartment within the case is particularly helpful when the artist ispainting on location and must delay the cleanup of brushes, mixing cups,etc., for extended periods oftime.

It is a further object of the invention to provide, in structure of thecharacter heretofore described, an improved palette having resilientsealing gasket means fixedly secured to both sides of the peripheraledge thereof, whereby two substantially airtight compartments may beobtained at the same time.

It is a further object of the invention to provide, for use incombination with the aforementioned palette, case and cover, adisposable plastic liner which the artist can use in conjunction withthe palette, the liner being formed of a mating configuration to thepalette whereby the palette provides a rigid structure therebelow andwherein the peripheral edge of the liner serves as a sealing gasketbetween the cover and the palette or between the palette and the case.

It is yet a further object of the invention to provide, for use with thestructure heretofore described, a cover that is capable of beingcompletely removed from the case and thereafter stored in the case belowthe palette.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an artist's toolconditioning structure that includes means for facilitating the cleaningof the working end of the artists tool such as the paint brushes orpalette knives, without resorting to messy hand-wiping of such tools,and wherein such tool conditioning structure may be stored within thecase when not in use and may be detachably secured to the side of thecase for use as a thinning cup attachment by the artist when the artistis paint mg.

Still another object of this invention is to provide, in a case of thecharacter described, means whereby the paint tubes are positionable onthe case in such a :manner that during the painting process they arereadily available and convenient for use by the artist in dispensingpigment upon the palette.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangementof the elements of the case and palette and the artists toolconditioning structure, whereby the above outlined and additionaloperating advantages thereof are at tained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best beunderstood with reference to the following specification taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the combination case, cover and palette withportions of the cover and palette being cut away in order to illustratethe structure of the case therebelow and wherein the artists toolconditioning structure is shown in the mounted condition on one side ofthe case;

FIG. 2 is an end view, with parts broken away, taken in the direction ofthe arrows along the line 2-2 of FIG. I, illustrating one arrangement ofthe cover, gasket, palette and case;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1,illustrating two arrangements of the cover and palette relative to thecase;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the cover, case and palette arrangement of FIG.I, with part of the case broken away for better illustration of thebrush receiving structure;

' FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cover, gasket, paletteand carrying case and illustrates the manner in which various associatedartists tools and equipment and the tool conditioning structure may bestored within the carrying case;

FIG. 5A is a sectional view of the gasket shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of palette forming partof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pad of disposable paper sheets adaptedfor use with the palette illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a wood panel insert that may be used inassociation with the palette illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial sectional view of a second em bodiment ofpalette and gasket means forming part of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged end view of the case of FIG. 1, illustrating ingreater detail the biasing means carried by the case for holding thepalette and cover in position thereon, the biasing means being shown inthe open position;

FIG. 1 l is a partial sectional view of the biasing means taken alongthe line 1l--Il of FIG. I0, the biasing means being shown in the closedposition;

FIG. 12 is a partial plan view of a third type of palette on which ismounted a disposable liner of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a sectional elevational view of the cover;

FIG. 14A and 14B are partial elevational views of the disposable liner;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the case and illustrates partial views ofthe palette of FIG. 12 mounted in two positions therein;

FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 2, showing aplurality of the disposable liners stored between the palette and case;

FIG. 17 is a partial view illustrating a plurality of the disposableliners in stacked relationship;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIG. 16, showing a disposable liner betweenthe palette and the cover;

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 18, showing the palette and liner inan inverted position with the biasing means in position;

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIGS. 16, 18 and 19, showing the cover in astorage position within the case with the palette and liner exposed foruse by the artist and wherein the biasing means is in position to assistin retention of the liner on the palette.

FIG. 21 is a plan view of the artists tool conditioning structureforming part of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a sectional view of the artist's tool conditioning structuretaken in the direction of the arrows along the line 22-22 in FIG. 21;

FIGS. 23A and 23B are sectional views taken in the direction of thearrows along the line 23-23 and illustrate the tool conditioningstructure in two operable positions thereof;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the structure illustrated in FIG. 21 and showsan associated brush disposed therein;

FIG. 25 is an end view of the artists tool conditioning structureillustrated in FIG. 21 when mounted on the associated case; and

FIG. 26 is a partial sectional view similar to FIG. 22, furtherillustrating operation of the tool conditioning structure when used toclean the bristles of an associated paint brush.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 6, wherein a first embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in greater detail, there is seen an improvedcombination artists palette designated generally as 30, a carrying case40, a cover for the case designated generally as 60 and a gasket 70adapted to be disposed in various positions relative to the case, thecover and the palette.

The embodiment of the palette 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 comprises agenerally dish-shaped member having a generally rectangular main bodyportion 31, an upstanding side section or wall 32 and anoutwardlyextending peripheral edge portion or flange 33 disposed parallel to themain body portion 31.

The dish-shaped configuration of the palette allows the body portion 31thereof to be used on either side thereof and with all type of artmediums, such as oil paints, acrylic polymers, transparent water colorsand other similar materials. These mediums, as distinguished by theirliquid or flow consistency are best suited for use on a particular sideof the palette 30. Thus, for example, the paste or non-running artmediums, such as oil paints and the acrylics, are more easily worked bythe artist during painting and may easily be removed from the palettewhen the palette is arranged with the main body portion 31 in anelevated condition as illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 5, whilethe wet or runny art mediums, such as water colors and color inks, aremore easily worked and contained when the palette is disposed to providethe dish-shaped arrangement shown in FIG. 6.

As noted heretofore, one of the primary objects of the invention is toextend the useable time and workable time of the various art mediumsused by the artist by retarding the normal drying out process of themediums when not in use. Some of these art mediums, such as the oil andacrylic paints, can neither be restored to use nor easily removed afterthey have dried out. Thus, in classroom situations or when paintingoutdoors or on location, the laying out of the palette and the colorsand the after painting cleanup is a time consuming and wasteful processin that those materials placed on the palette may not thereaftersuccessfully be restored.

To provide a hermetic or substantially airtight chamber in which thepalette side or sides having the paint or other materials thereof may bestored while the reverse side thereof is available for use by theartist, or, alternately, where it is desired to store the palette withpaint materials on both sides thereof, there has been developed the case40, cover 60 and gasket 70 for use therewith.

With reference still to FIGS. 1 through 6, the case 40 includes agenerally rectangular bottom wall 41 and an upstanding peripheral sidewall 42; the upper portion of the side wall 42 being formed to provide aledge 43 disposed parallel to the bottom Wall 41 and extending outwardlytherefrom. An open compartment 44 is formed between the bottom wall 41and the ledge 43. The side wall 42 terminates as an upstandingcontinuous lip 45 surrounding the ledge 43.

The palette 30 and side wall of the case 40 are dimensioned such thatthe palette 30 may be disposed within the case with the peripheral edgeportion 33 of the palette 30 disposed in continuous juxtaposition withthe ledge 43.

In the preferred embodiment of the case 40 as illustrated in thedrawings, one section of the ledge 43 is extended laterally as indicatedat 46. The laterally extending section 46 is provided with a pluralityof apertures 47 of different sizes therethrough. Some of the aperturesare intended to accommodate the bottom end of a standard tube of paintsuch as 51 while other of the apertures 47 are adapted to receive thehandle-end of a paint brush 49 when the artist is painting. Preferably,the apertures 47 along the sides of the case, as illustrated in FIG. 1,are provided for paint brushes, with the larger of such openings beingdisposed away from the palette area whereby the shorter brushes whichhave handles of a thinner diameter are disposed toward the front. Eachof the apertures 47 is provided with a vertically extending wall 48which is smaller in cross section at the bottom thereof than at the topthereof. This allows the entire case 40 to be picked up and moved toanother location without the paint tubes or brushes dropping through theapertures 47.

A pair of longitudinally extending dividing walls 50 is disposed withinthe case 40 and serve to divide the compartment 44 into a plurality ofchambers designed to hold different tools. Thus as illustrated in FIG. 5one chamber A receives the brushes for storage, the middle chamber Breceives the paint tubes, while the third chamber C is adapted toreceive the artists tool conditioning structure to be described morefully hereinafter. There also is room in the chamber C for the storageof mixing cups or the like.

To facilitate removal of the palette from within the case, a fingernotch 54 is provided in one part of the lip 45 of the side wall 43, thefinger notch 54 extending from the top end of the lip down to the ledge43.

A handle 52 for carrying the case 40 also is provided, the handle beingsecured by a bracket 53 to the lip 45 via a plurality of rivets (notshown) Rather than securing the handle by the bracket 53, the handle maybe integrally molded with the case 40.

Disposed above the palette 30 in FIG. 5 is a generally rectangularsemirigid plastic frame 70 that serves as a resilient sealing gasket inthe manner shortly to be described. The

gasket 70 has a raised continuous head 71 on one side thereof disposedapproximately midway between the edges thereof.

A cover 60 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6, the cover beingcooperable with the gasket 70. The cover 60 includes a generallyrectangular body portion 61, a continuous side wall 62 and an outwardlyextending peripheral flange 63. The peripheral flange 63 iscomplementary to the gasket 70, to the edge portion 33 of the palette30, andto the ledge 43 of the case 40, whereby these parts may be placedin continuous juxtaposition with each other and will fit within theconfines of the lip 5 of the case.

To secure the various parts in position in and on the case, a pluralityof biasing means in the form of spring clamps 80 is provided, thedetails of which are best illustrated in FIGS. and 11. Each spring clamp80 includes a U-shaped cam and hinge member 81 (FIG. 11) the bightportion 82 of which overlies the top edge of the lip 45. The hinge andcam member 81 includes a hinge leg 83 that extends toward the ledge 43and passes through a slot 55 formed in the ledge 43 adjacent to the lip45. The lower end of the leg 83 has a generally rectangular slot 84therein which cooperates with a compression clip 85 by receiving thecurved hinge portion 86 thereof through the slot 84.

The compression clip 85 includes an outwardly curved and bent overportion 87 which terminates as a U-shaped flange 88, the return leg ofwhich is designated as 89. The distance between the bight portion 82 andthe bent over portion 87 is less than the distance between the returnleg 89 and the bent over portion 87 when the compression clip is in arelaxed or open condition. Thus, when the clip 85 is rotated to theclosed or biasing position thereof illustrated in FIG. 11, the leg 89will at all times engage the bight portion 82 of the hinge and cammember 81. As a result, when the compression clip 85 is rotated to theclosed position the bight 82 acts as a cam on leg 89 and forces sameupwardly to prevent the clip from rotating outwardly. At the same time,due to the relationship of the parts, a downward compressive force willalways be exerted on whatever member is disposed between the ledge 43and the leg 89.

The configuration of the compression clip 85 and the manner in which itis mounted relative to the ledge 43 permits a number of differentmounting arrangements of the palette 30, gasket 70 and cover 60 relativeto the case and in each instance the clip 80 insures that the parts areheld securely in place. Moreover, the downward force exerted by thereturn leg 89 on the flange 63 or edge portion 33 over the gasket 70causes compression of the gasket 70 so as to provide an airtight sealbetween the case and the member or members disposed above it.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 4, it will be appreciated that anumber of different storage and use arrangements of the case, palette,gasket and cover are possible. Thus, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the palette 30 isshown with the body portion 31 in the elevated position and theperipheral edge portion 33 thereof in direct and continuous contact withthe ledge 43 of the case. This position allows the artist to use thepalette in the elevated condition whereby the body portion 31 is readilyaccessible for use with the pastelike materials such as the oils andacryl- ICS.

If the artist desires to temporarily discontinue painting for lunch orother recess, or to transport the case to another location, the gasket70 may be placed over the peripheral edge portion 33 of the palette andthereafter the cover 60 placed in position as shown. When this step hasbeen completed the compression clip 85 is rotated from the open positionillustrated in FIG. 10 to the closed position illustrated in FIG. 11.The compressive force of the four clips 85 on the peripheral flange 63of the cover causes the flange tofirmly abut and compress the resilientsealing gasket 70, thereby providing a seal between the flange 63 andthe outer edge portion 33 of the palette 30 whereby a substantiallyairtight compartment is provided between the cover and the palette.

As a second arrangement, the left hand side of FIG. 3 shows the palette30 in the dished position while the right hand portion of FIG. 3illustrates the cover 60 in a storage position within the case while thepalette is disposed over the cover and within the lip 45.

It will also be understood that the gasket 70 may be disposed directlyon the ledge 43 with the palette placed thereover whereby asubstantially airtight compartment is formed between the palette 30 andthe cover 40. This latter arrangement would be desirable where theartist is switching from one material to another such as may be the casewhen going between classrooms wherein it is desired to save the firstmaterial and prevent from drying out.

In FIG. 7 there is illustrated a pad 34 of disposable vellum papersheets, the pad 34 having a double adhesive tape on the bottom thereof.It will be observed from FIGS. 6 and 7 that the pad 34 is adapted to bedisposed on the body portion 31 of the palette 30 and within the sidewall 32 thereof with the side wall 32 preventing lateral movement of thepad 34 relative to the palette 30. In this case, the artist may merelylay out his paint or other materials directly on the paper pad and toavoid a messy cleanup process merely tear off the single sheet of paperand dispose of same. In FIG. 8, in lieu of the paper pad illustrated inFIG. 7 there is illustrated a wood board 35 which also is positionableon the body portion 31 within the side wall 32 of the palette 30.

In the preferred embodiment of palette, case, cover and gasketillustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the case is preferably molded as aone-piece member from a plastic material such as A.B.S. The palette maybe ofa melamine-type molded plastic or may be comprised ofa porcelainfinish over drawn steel. If desired, a melamine laminate to provide awood-type surface appearance may be molded to the elevated sideof thebody portion. The cover similarly may be formed of a molded plasticA.B.S. or a melamine-type plastic. The gasket 70 may be formed of asemirigid plastic such as polypropelene. The gasket is preferably about0.035 inch thick at the center, with an arched under surface about 0.030inch high and tapering to the outer edges. The bead 71 is 0.050 inchwide and 0.030 inch above the body ofthe gasket.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be observed that in order toallow the palette to be inverted and stored within the case in eitherposition, and also to allow the cover to be inverted and stored withinthe case, the included or internal angle between the side wall 32 of thepalette and the body portion 31 thereof is greater than the included orinternal angle between the side wall 62 and body portion 61 of thecover, which angle in turn is greater than the included or internalangle between the side wall 42 and the bottom wall 41 of the case 40.For example, the included angle for the palette may be approximately theincluded angle for the cover approximately 120 and the included anglefor the case being 1 15.

Finally, in the embodiment illustrated, it will be observed thatalthough the body portions of the palette and cover are generallyrectangular, the sides thereof are slightly curved. This will preventthe palette from sliding toward the tube area 46 of the ledge 43 whenthe palette is in an elevated position.

A second embodiment of palette and gasket arrangement is illustrated inFIG. 9. In this embodiment the palette includes a body portion 131, sidewall 132 and peripheral edge portion 133. Here, however, instead of thegasket being provided as a separate semirigid frame 70, a gasket 135 isprovided in the form of a vinyl material that is adhesively secured tothe peripheral edge portion 133 of the palette. In this case, the vinylgasket includes leg portions 136 and 137 which cover both sides of theedge portion 133. Each leg 136 and 137 has a plurality of raised ridges138 thereon comparable to the bead 71, but slightly narrower on theorder of 0.030 inch. With this embodiment, it is possible to obtain twosubstantially airtight compartments when the cover 60 is placed over thepalette 30 and the biasing means 80 are operated to the closed positionsthereof. This particular embodiment is best employed when the palette iscomprised of a drawn steel member having a porcelain finish thereover,but also may be employed with the melamine type molded plastic paletteas well.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 through 20, a third embodiment of palette andgasket arrangement is illustrated. In this embodiment the cover 60 andthe case 40 are identical to those previously described, but a slightlydifferent palette structure 230 is employed. A disposable liner '90(FIGS. 14A, 148) comprising a body portion 91, upstanding side wall 92and a peripheral edge portion 93 complementary to the respective partsof the palette 230 is provided.

The edge portion 93 of the liner includes a pair of continuous hollowridges 94 formed therein, the ridges 94 operating as the gasket means 70in the embodiment heretofore described. The liner 90 preferably isformed of a high impact plastic such as polystyrene and is between 0.010and 0.015 inch thick; preferably 0.010 for flexibility and ease ofstacking. Each ridge is about 0.13 inch wide at the top and about 0.050inch high.

To accommodate the liner in a nesting relationship the modified palette230 is provided, the modification taking place in the side wall 232. Inthe palette 30 the body portion 31 and the side wall 32 and outer edgeportion 33 were all of the same thickness; however, in order to allowthe liner 90 to fit in good nesting relationship with palette 230 onboth sides thereof or in the elevated or dished positions, the side wall232 of the palette 230 is approximately 0.050 inch thinner than the bodyportion 231. This allows the apex of the exterior angle between the sidewall 232 and the body portion 231 to be disposed 0.030 inch inwardlywith respect to the apex of the interior angle, whereby the liner 90tits in good nesting relationship on either side of the palette 230 asillustrated in FIGS. 18 and 19.

The disposable liners 90 provide a very utilitarian structure togetherwith the case, palette and cover heretofore described. The linersprovide a convenient and relatively inexpensive work surface which theartist may discard rather than clean the palette. A plurality of theliners 90 may be provided in a stacked relationship as illustrated inFIGS. 16 and 7 and stored between the palette 230 and the case 40.

The ridges 94 of the liner 90 serve as a gasket to provide a sealbetween the liners and the case or the liners and the cover. dependingon the position of the respective parts. Thus, in FIG. 18 the palette230 is disposed with the body portion 231 in the dished position, theliner 90 therein and the cover 60 on top of the liner. In thisarrangement the ridges 94 are disposed between the peripheral edgeportion 233 of the palette 230 and the flange 63 of the cover 60 therebyproviding an airtight chamber therebetween. If desired liners 90 may bedisposed both above and below the palette 230 whereby the sealing ridges94 of each operate to provide two airtight chambers.

A preferred arrangement for the liner 90, disposed below the palette230, is to have the dished side of the liner 90 oriented away from thedished side of the palette 230, similar to the manner in which the extraliners 90 are illustrated in FIG. 16. So positioned, neither the linerabove or below the palette need be inverted or exposed to the equipmentwithin the compartments of the case 60. In this arrangement, threesubstantially airtight chambers are established.

In FIG. 19 the palette 230 is disposed in an elevated position with theliner 90 thereover and the biasing means 80 or compression clip 85 inthe closed position thereof.

In FIG. 20 the cover 60 shown in the storage position thereof while thebody portion 231 of the palette 230 is in the elevated position. Also inFIG. 20 the biasing means 80 are in the closed position and engage theridges 94 of the liner 90. In this case the biasing means 80 cooperatewith the ridges 94 to insure that the liner 90 does not have relative tothe underlying palette 230.

As previously noted, one of the stated objects of the invention is toprovide the unique artists tool conditioning structure 100 which iscooperable with the case 40 and which also may be used independentlythereof. The tool conditioning structure 100 is best illustrated inFIGS. 21 through 26 wherein it is seen to comprise the generallyrectangular open receptacle including a bottom wall 101, side walls 102and 103, a front end wall 104 and a rear end wall 105. A dividing wall106 is disposed in the receptacle 100 and extends between the side walls102 and 103 thereof; thereby dividing the receptacle into two opencompartments. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the dividing wall106 is disposed toward the front wall 104.

The dividing wall 106 has a vertically extending slot 107 formedtherein. The slot 107 operates to receive the working end of anassociated artists tool such as the bristle end of a paint brush or theflat of a palette knife. The sides of the slot 107 are beveled as at 108to provide knife-like edges in the slot; the top edge of the dividingwall 106 also is beveled as at 109. The sharp edges so formed aid incleaning the associated tools.

The receptacle preferably is made of plastic or other semirigid materialso that the walls and bottom thereof are slightly flexible when pressureis applied thereto. In using the tool conditioning structure, it will beunderstood that inward pressure on the side walls 102 and 103 at thejunctures thereof with the dividing wall 106 causes constriction of theslot 107 with a resultant application of compressive force on the end ofthe associated tool disposed in the slot. When the working end of thetool is moved longitudinally through the constricted slot 107 thebeveled knife-like edges 108 thereof operate to scrape off and squeezeout waste or excess materials on the working end of the tool. Thisallows the artist to strip and scrape excess paint from a brush withouthand-wiping the brush.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the slot 107 extends the fullheight of the dividing wall 106. This makes it easier to apply pressurealong the full length of the slot as the bottom wall 101 then acts as ahinge. To facilitate application of pressure on the side walls 102 and103, a pair of oppositely disposed finger tabs 110 are integrally formedwith the side walls 102 and 103 at the areas adjacent to the juncturesof the dividing wall 106 with the side walls 102 and 103.

To further facilitate cleaning of the brush or other tool, the bottomwall 101 of the receptacle is provided with a plurality of upstandingridges 111 which are disposed parallel to and between the dividing wall106 and the end wall 105. By running the bristle end of the brush acrossthe ridges 111, the ridges 111 operate to spread apart the bristles andloosen and expose the pigment within the bristles, thereby furtherfacilitating cleaning of the brush. This is particularly useful inremoving paint near the ferrule of the brush.

Finally, the rear wall of the receptacle 100 is provided with aplurality of serrations 112 which are adapted to receive the handle endof the paint brush or other tool while the working end thereof isdisposed within the receptacle as illustrated in FIG. 24. Because theserrations 112 are V-shaped they accommodate handles of variousdiameters. The serrations prevent the handle end of the brush or othertool from rolling and sliding off of the receptacle 100 when thereceptacle 100 is used to retain the brushes in a moist condition with athinner carried therewithin.

The tool conditioning structure or receptacle 100 is particularlyadapted for use with the case 40 heretofore described. In thisconnection the wall 103 of the receptacle 100 is provided with a pair ofmounting clips 113 which include a U-shaped portion 114 adapted tooverlie the upstanding lip 45 of the associated case 40. When it isdesired to use the receptacle 100 for paint thinning, it is clipped tothe lip 45 of the case 40 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 25. It willbe appreciated that the open extent of the U-shaped portion 114 issomewhat less than the thickness of the lip 45 whereby the receptacle100 is firmly mounted on the case but is easily detachable therefrom.Also, when the receptacle 100 is clipped to the lip 45, the flanges 63and/or 33 also cooperate to secure the clips 113 to the ledge 43 in avery positive manner. When not in use, the receptacle is stored in oneof the compartments of the case 40 as illustrated in FIG. 5; the heightof the receptacle 100 being less than the distance between the bottomwall 41 and the ledge 43 of the case.

The tool conditioning attachment 100 is thus very versatile and aids theartist in a number of ways. The receptacle may be used for soakingbrushes by depositing a thinning agent therewithin. It is. particularlyadapted for removing excess paint from the bristle end of the brush viathe application of pressure to the side walls resulting in constrictionof the slot 107. This permits ready cleaning of the brushes withoutmessy hand-wiping. In addition, and for thorough brush cleaning, thereceptacles relatively small size permits the artist to take the entirereceptacle and remove to a source of running water and there run thebristle end of the brushes across the ridges 111.

The dividing wall 106 also functions to prevent excessive intermixing ofthe excess pigment removed from the brush with any thinner that may bedisposed in the receptacle. Finally, the sharp forward edges provided onthe sides of the slot 107 and on the top of the dividing wall assuremaximum removal of the paint from the bristles.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that there has been provided animproved combination artists palette and case therefor. The caseconstructed in accordance with the disclosure provides the artist with ahighly utilitarian device in which the brushes, paint tubes, mixing cupsand other tools conveniently may be stored, and in use may be disposedin positions in which they are readily available and accessible in aconvenient and organized manner. Because the palette is mounted withinthe case the palette is disposed above the surface on which the case mayrest whereby the palette also is readily accessible to the artist.

The removable gasket provided in the various embodiments adds greatflexibility to the number of arrangements for providing airtightchambers to prevent the drying out of paint or other materials on thepalette. The cover and palette can be clamped into position so thatpaint can be stored on the palette for an extended period of timewithout inverting the palette. Further, the disposable liners cooperatewith the palette to provide a convenient work surface and also functionas the gasket member. The cover is designed to be completely removablefrom the case but can be stored under the palette and out of the way butis yet easily available. When the cover is over the palette any paintthereon is protected and it is not exposed for inadvertent soiling ofclothing and the like. The

ability to place the cover both over and under the palette is furtherenhanced by the fact that such placement can be accomplished withouthaving to move the paint tubes, brushes or thinning and mixing cups thatmay be mounted on the case. Finally, the tool conditioning structureprovides a unique tool for the artist which enables the artist to cleanvarious implements without touching the working ends thereof and soilingclothing or hands.

While there has been described what is presently thought to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to coverin the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A combination artists palette and carrying case therefor comprising apalette including a generally planar body portion and a peripheral edgeportion, said body portion serving to receive an artists work materialsthereon, a case adapted to receive said palette for use, storage andtransportation, said case including a bottom wall and a peripheral sidewall, said palette and said case being dimensioned such that suchpalette fits within the peripheral side wall of said case, a linercomprising a semirigid paint and water impervious material and ineludingbody and edge portions of .a configuration substantially identical tothe configuration of the respective body and edge portions of saidpalette whereby said liner may be removably disposed in nestingrelationship with said palette whereby said liner is supported by saidpalette so as to provide a rigid and disposable work surface for theartist, said peripheral edge portion of said liner being formed of asemirigid material to provide resilient sealing gasket means integralwith said liner, whereby upon placement of said palette and said linerin said case with said liner disposed between said palette and saidcase, said gasket means and said palette and said case are adapted to bein continuous juxtaposition with said palette, aid gasket means and saidcase cooperating to form a chamber therebetween, and means carried bysaid case for biasing said palette into sealing relationship with saidgasket means and thereby rendering said chamber substantially airtight,whereby upon placement of said palette in said case the airtightcondition achieved thereby is effective to retard the drying out anddeterioration of any materials remainin on said liner.

The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said resilient sealinggasket means comprises at least one raised continuous ridge formed insaid peripheral edge portion of said liner.

3. The combination set forth in claim 2, wherein said liner is formed ofa plastic material and is between about 0.010 and 0.015 inch thick andsaid raised ridge is disposed about 0.060 inch above the peripheral edgeof the liner.

4. The combination set forth in claim 1, and further including aplurality of said liners stacked in nesting relationship.

5. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said palette includesan upstanding side wall between said body portion thereof and saidperipheral edge portion thereof, and said liner includes a complementaryupstanding side wall between the body portion thereof and the peripheraledge portion thereof, and wherein the bottom wall of said palette isabout 0.050 inches thicker than said side wall thereof and the apex ofthe interior angle between the palette side wall and the palette bodyportion is disposed 0.030 inches outwardly with respect to the apex ofthe exterior angle of said side wall and said body portion.

6. The combination set forth in claim 1, wherein said liner is formed ofa high-impact plastic material and is between about 0.010 and 0.015 inchthick.

7. The combination set forth in claim 1, and further including a coverfor said case, said cover having an outwardly extending peripheralflange complementary to the peripheral edge portion of said palette andthe peripheral edge portion of said liner, whereby upon placement ofsaid cover over said liner and said palette and below said biasing meansa second substantially airtight chamber is provided between said coverand said gasket means of said liner and said palette.

1. A combination artist''s palette and carrying case therefor comprisinga palette including a generally planar body portion and a peripheraledge portion, said body portion serving to receive an artist''s workmaterials thereon, a case adapted to receive said palette for use,storage and transportation, said case including a bottom wall and aperipheral side wall, said palette and said case being dimensioned suchthat such palette fits within the peripheral side wall of said case, aliner comprising a semirigid paint and water impervious material andincluding body and edge portions of a configuration substantiallyidentical to the configuration of the respective body and edge portionsof said palette whereby said liner may be removably disposed in nestingrelationship with said palette whereby said liner is supported by saidpalette so as to provide a rigid and disposable work surface for theartist, said peripheral edge portion of said liner being formed of asemirigid material to provide resilient sealing gasket means integralwith said liner, whereby upon placement of said palette and said linerin said case with said liner disposed between said palette and saidcase, said gasket means and said palette and said case are adapted to bein continuOus juxtaposition with said palette, aid gasket means and saidcase cooperating to form a chamber therebetween, and means carried bysaid case for biasing said palette into sealing relationship with saidgasket means and thereby rendering said chamber substantially airtight,whereby upon placement of said palette in said case the airtightcondition achieved thereby is effective to retard the drying out anddeterioration of any materials remaining on said liner.
 2. Thecombination set forth in claim 1, wherein said resilient sealing gasketmeans comprises at least one raised continuous ridge formed in saidperipheral edge portion of said liner.
 3. The combination set forth inclaim 2, wherein said liner is formed of a plastic material and isbetween about 0.010 and 0.015 inch thick and said raised ridge isdisposed about 0.060 inch above the peripheral edge of the liner.
 4. Thecombination set forth in claim 1, and further including a plurality ofsaid liners stacked in nesting relationship.
 5. The combination setforth in claim 1, wherein said palette includes an upstanding side wallbetween said body portion thereof and said peripheral edge portionthereof, and said liner includes a complementary upstanding side wallbetween the body portion thereof and the peripheral edge portionthereof, and wherein the bottom wall of said palette is about 0.050inches thicker than said side wall thereof and the apex of the interiorangle between the palette side wall and the palette body portion isdisposed 0.030 inches outwardly with respect to the apex of the exteriorangle of said side wall and said body portion.
 6. The combination setforth in claim 1, wherein said liner is formed of a high-impact plasticmaterial and is between about 0.010 and 0.015 inch thick.
 7. Thecombination set forth in claim 1, and further including a cover for saidcase, said cover having an outwardly extending peripheral flangecomplementary to the peripheral edge portion of said palette and theperipheral edge portion of said liner, whereby upon placement of saidcover over said liner and said palette and below said biasing means asecond substantially airtight chamber is provided between said cover andsaid gasket means of said liner and said palette.